Conestoga girls claim first District 1 lacrosse title since 2006
The Pioneers beat Springfield (Delco), 12-8, as Ceara Sweeney and Dana Cicchitti scored four goals each.
It happened gradually and resembled a slow-moving wave of solidarity.
Springfield (Delco) had just netted its fifth consecutive goal and defending state champion Conestoga looked stunned, leaking confidence and its once- commanding lead Thursday night at West Chester East.
One by one, however, each of the Pioneers raised her stick - the bench included - as they walked back for the ensuing draw late in the fourth quarter of the District 1 Class 3A championship.
"Heads up, sticks up" has been a mantra deployed this season when the Pioneers appear dispirited.
The result was a much-needed two-goal burst that cinched Conestoga's 12-8 victory and its first district title since 2006.
"It's amazing," said junior midfielder Ceara Sweeney. "We haven't won one of these in 11 years. None of the seniors have ever felt this before. We won the state championship last year, but this was a big goal since the start of the season."
Sweeney, who finished with four goals, notched the first of the momentum-seizing tallies with 3 minutes, 54 seconds left for an 11-8 edge.
The Army recruit secured a rebound in front after Springfield goaltender Julianne Clemens rushed out of the net.
"I just picked it up, looked up for a second, and saw no goalie in goal, so I overhand shot it in," she said. "Luckily, it went in."
Senior Dana Cicchitti added her fourth goal 19 seconds later.
To the uninitiated, sticks raised aloft might seem inconsequential. But Sweeney and Co. find meaning in the act.
"I honestly think it helps, yeah," she said. "Just shows that we're in it together and ready to go."
Fellow junior Amelia Kienzle also netted two goals, while seniors Liz Scott and Scottie Rose Growney added a goal apiece.
Springfield, which trailed, 9-2, at the half, was led by two goals apiece from senior Bailey O'Brien and junior Olivia Little.
Conestoga will play West Chester Rustin in the PIAA playoffs Tuesday at a time and locale to be determined.
Senior goaltender Anne Frascella finished with seven saves for Conestoga. Clemens stopped four shots for the Cougars.
Conestoga 9 3 - 12
Springfield (D) 2 6 - 8
C: Ceara Sweeney 4, Dana Cicchitti 4, Amelia Kienzle 2, Scottie Rose Growney, Liz Scott,
S: Bailey O'Brien 2, Olivia Little 2, Julia Schickling, Bridget Whitaker 2, Olivia Pace.
Saves: C-Anne Frascella 7; S-Julianne Clemens 4.
cartera@phillynews.com@AceCarterINQ